August Blog – Exercise/Fitness
August 5, 2016
August – Exercise / Fitness
Nutrition and Fitness
Only about 15% of Canadians get enough regular physical activity. But it’s easier than you may think. Read on for exercise and nutrition tips to stay active and fit.
Why exercise?
Studies show that only about 35% of Canadians get enough regular physical activity, and that 65% of people are not physically active enough to maintain their heart health. Being active can help you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of certain conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If you’re not a big fan of grueling workouts in the gym, rest assured that there are plenty of fun ways to stay fit this summer with outdoor activities. And when you’re having fun, you’re more likely to stick with an exercise plan that’s right for you! Even 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day will help improve and maintain your health.
There are many other reasons to be active this summer. Exercise can help you:
- improve your muscle tone
- relieve stress
- improve your body image
- increase your energy and concentration levels
- protect your bones
- improve your circulation
- improve your digestive health
- have fun and be social
Ask Your Pharmacist
Q: My doctor says I should start exercising to lose weight and help my diabetes. Where do I start?
A: Scheduling regular physical activity that you enjoy is a good place to start. This can include walking, gardening, or dancing. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous exercise per week, or more simply, 30 minutes five days a week. Remember to pace yourself—you can start with 5 to 10 minutes of exercise daily and build your endurance gradually. Do you have a question? Don’t hesitate to ask your Live Well Pharmacist.
Do you have a question? Don’t hesitate to ask your Live Well Pharmacist.
Health Tip
It’s so easy to find an excuse to put off exercise for another day. Try finding a workout buddy—it will make those excuses tougher to use. Celebrating your progress alone isn’t as much fun as it is with a partner. Your workout time will go by more quickly and you’ll you’ll likely stick with your exercise plans longer. That means better results for you both! Don’t forget to set goals for yourselves and celebrate every few weeks when you’ve reached them.
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